SeaFest expands in 2017 to offer a three day celebration
A larger and more spectacular SeaFest will take place in 2017, as the festival expands to include three days of activities and attractions to celebrate the sea in Galway from 30 June to 2 July 2017.
Organisers of SeaFest 2017 met in Galway City Hall on Thursday 23 March 2017 to plan an exciting action-packed programme.
More than 60,000 visitors flocked to the family-friendly event in 2016 and Dr Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute said he is confident that SeaFest will attract even more visitors this year.
"Galway Harbour will be a hub of activity for three days, featuring even more activities for children, aquatic displays, vessel tours, as well as exhibitions and entertainment," Dr Heffernan said.
"Ireland's marine infrastructure and resources will be on show, and visitors will also have the opportunity to celebrate our maritime history and discover more about our oceans.
SeaFest also raises public awareness of the value of our marine resources and the economic benefits our ocean provides to Galway and all of Ireland's coastal communities."
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) Director of Aquaculture Development Services Donal Maguire said BIM is delighted to be taking part in SeaFest 2017, and hope to add to our very well received 'Big Top on the Docks' last year.
"Our Big Top will be a wealth of family friendly fun information on all things relating to Ireland's fishing, fish farming and overall seafood sectors, from cookery demonstrations to exciting interactive games and puzzles for the kids," Maguire said.
The naval service ship 
from the Department of Defence was popular with crowds last year, and an even bigger display is planned for SeaFest 2017. The world-famous tall ship 'The Phoenix' will again return to Galway Harbour. Visitors will also enjoy tours of Marine Institute vessels the Celtic Explorer and Celtic Voyager.
In addition to activities from BIM and the Department of Defence, SeaFest 2017 is also being supported by Galway City Council, Galway County Council, NUI Galway, Bord Bia Irish Food Board, Port of Galway, Western Development Commission, Galway Chamber, The Village Salthill and Latin Quarter Galway.
Dr Peter Heffernan said collaboration with our partners is key to the success of this national maritime festival.
"A unique aspect of SeaFest is the number of local, state and national agencies and organisations that come together to plan this event," Dr Heffernan said.
As well as the public festivities, the fourth annual Our Ocean Wealth Summit will be held on 30 June 2017 at the National University of Ireland, Galway. National and international delegates will discuss how Ireland is transforming its marine sector through new thinking to achieve economic prosperity and to protect marine resources for the future.
SeaFest is co-ordinated by the Marine Institute, on behalf of the Marine Coordination Group.
For more information on SeaFest visit www.seafest.ie and follow SeaFest on Facebook and Twitter.
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